I love finding new ways to make classic cocktails pop. The Lavender Maple Bourbon Cocktail has a fresh, floral twist and just enough sweetness to keep things interesting.
This recipe lays out how to blend smooth bourbon, fragrant lavender, and rich maple syrup for a drink that’s simple but feels a bit special.
Looking for something easy but not boring? This cocktail totally fits the bill.
It works for a quiet night in or when you want to impress a couple friends. The flavors just play so well together—when I want something different, I keep coming back to this one.
Equipment
- Jigger or shot glass for measuring
- Cocktail shaker with strainer
- Fine mesh strainer (to remove lavender bits)
- Small saucepan (for making lavender syrup)
- Bar spoon: For mixing.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 0.5 oz pure maple syrup
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz lavender syrup homemade or store-bought
- Ice cubes
- Dried lavender buds for syrup or garnish
- Lemon twist or wheel optional garnish
Lavender syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp dried culinary lavender
Instructions
- Make the lavender syrup: Toss water, sugar, and lavender in a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer, stir until the sugar’s gone, then cool and strain out the lavender.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds, until the shaker feels chilly.
- Garnish with lavender buds and a lemon twist if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The first thing that hits me is the gentle scent of lavender. It’s soft, inviting—never too much.
Then, there’s the maple syrup, bringing a mellow sweetness that just works with the bourbon. It doesn’t take over, which I appreciate.
The bourbon gives it a solid base. I get that warmth and a little spice with every sip.
I always toss in a few ice cubes—keeps it cool, easy to drink. As the ice melts, the flavors mellow out a bit, and it feels even more balanced.
Sometimes I’ll top it with a lemon twist. The fresh citrus aroma and taste cut through the sweetness and just make it pop a little more.
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Substitute
Sometimes I have to tweak this cocktail, depending on what’s in my kitchen. Here are a few substitutions that’ve worked for me:
- If I’m out of lavender syrup, honey syrup or even plain simple syrup does the trick for sweetness.
- Occasionally, I’ll steep a pinch of dried lavender in hot water—just for a hint of floral flavor.
- No maple syrup? I reach for agave, brown sugar syrup, or just classic simple syrup.
Bourbon
- If bourbon’s missing, rye whiskey or dark rum steps in pretty well.
Other Ideas
Sometimes I swap the garnish. A lemon twist or a mint sprig instead of lavender keeps things interesting.
Equipment
Ingredients
- Substitute sweetener (honey, agave, or simple syrup)
- Substitute spirit (rye whiskey or rum)
- Alternate garnish (lemon twist or mint)
Instructions